Statement by H.E. Ambassador OSUGA Takeshi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassadorial Level Meeting on “Women, Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace”

2021/10/13
(As delivered)
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Let me start by thanking you for convening this important meeting. I would also like to thank the briefers, particularly women peacebuilders, for sharing their valuable insights.
 
There is no doubt that women’s full, equal and meaningful participation is indispensable for peacebuilding and sustaining peace. And the PBC has its Gender Strategy and Action Plan for this purpose. The question is how we can best leverage these useful instruments. In this respect, we highly appreciate PBSO for compiling the status report on the implementation of the Action Plan during the past 12 months.
 
 I would like to highlight three points that Japan considers to be the key for the PBC in further promoting gender responsive peacebuilding, which is a natural priority for us from the human security perspective.
 
First, the PBC should further leverage its convening power to promote substantive discussions and facilitate mutual learning by sharing good practices and lessons learned on this topic in a more systematic manner. We just heard insightful stories from the fields. Japan also has stories and experiences to share, for example, our support to women peacebuilders in Somalia through UN Women’s LEAP initiative, which stands for “Women’s Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection.” We hope the PBC, with the support of PBSO, would better serve as the platform for mutual learning.
 
Second, the PBC should continue to strengthen consultations with women peacebuilders from diverse regions and backgrounds, follow up and build network with them. I highly appreciate that the geographical diversity is reflected in the selection of today’s briefers from outside the UN system.
 
Third, the PBC’s engagement with women peacebuilders should contribute to enriching its advice to the Security Council on this agenda. It is unfortunate that the PBC was not able to provide written advice to the Council last year ahead of its Open Debate on the Women, Peace and Security. We hope that PBC members engage constructively to provide substantive advice ahead of the Council’s open debate this year.
 
Thank you.